DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 16, 2008 DHSS-29-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE'S OUTSTANDING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS HONORED BY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
2008 Governor's Youth Volunteer Service Awards Winners
Dover, DE - Tonight, beginning at 5pm, Governor Ruth Ann Minner will celebrate volunteerism in Delaware by presenting the 2008 Governor's Outstanding Youth Volunteer Service Awards. The Governor's Youth Volunteer Service Awards offer the opportunity to recognize the countless hours and willingness to serve demonstrated by young volunteers throughout Delaware. Hundreds of young people were nominated for service to their communities, schools, faith-based organizations and neighborhoods. Joining Governor Minner at the awards ceremony will be Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Vincent Meconi.
"We are pleased and honored orchestrate this annual event and present these community-minded youths with these awards," said Gloria Upshur, Director, Division of State Service Centers. "Volunteerism and community service are so critical in Delaware and the nation. So many people depend upon the good will of neighbors, friends and, in many cases, strangers to get them through difficult situations and tough times. Delaware wouldn't be the great place that it is without the outstanding people we are going to honor."
"When you volunteer you are giving something back to your community by lending a helping hand to people and organizations,"said Vincent P. Meconi, Cabinet Secretary, Delaware and Health and Social Services. "What you may not realize is that volunteering also benefits you as an individual. There are many good reasons to get involved in the community, including learning something about yourself." Governor Ruth Ann Minner will present Governor's Youth Volunteer Service Awards to 18 individuals and 5 groups of young people at the Dover Sheraton Hotel. More than 300 people will join the Governor at the Dover Sheraton Hotel at 4:30pm for a reception and ceremony to honor these young volunteers for their outstanding service to the people of Delaware.
The 2008 award recipients participated in such diverse activities as organizing fundraisers, preserving Delaware's history, mentoring youth, ensuring the health and safety of Delawareans of all ages. They are representative of Delaware's youth who are making a positive contribution to society and inspiring others to do the same. The Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor; Delaware Health and Social Services; the Division of State Service Centers; the State Office of Volunteerism; and the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.
A list of Individual and Group Winners by County follows. For more detailed information, contacts or pictures call 255-9037 or email jay.lynch@state.de.us "
2008 GOVERNOR'S YOUTH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
NEW CASTLE COUNTY Individual Awards
- Alexandra Browne, Health
- Ernest J. Halton, Education
- Arjun Patel, Community Service
- Meagan Santangelo, Environment
- Valerie Sapp, Arts/Culture
- Kaz Sortino, Community Service
- Sarah Tursi, Human Needs
New Caste County Group Awards
- Charter Anti-Tobacco Club,Health
- Howard High-National Landmark-Project, Arts/Culture
- New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) Explorers Program, Public Safety
- Zoo Crew at the Brandywine Zoo, Education
KENT COUNTY Individual Awards
- Haley Gerardi, Community Service
- Jeffery Sullivan, Community Service
SUSSEX COUNTY Individual Awards
- Tamia Marie Bonville, Community Service
- Annamarie Brown, Education
- Madison Dodge, Community Service
- Christina Stevenson, Education
- Jasmine Taylor, Human Needs
- Joshua Vincent, Education
- Shayla Wilson, Health
- Cristal Wright, Environment
Sussex County Group Award
Faith United Methodist Church, Community ServiceDelaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
